The Jewelry by Guy de Maupassant
The Jewelry
Maupassant effectively portrays a marriage that is misunderstood through manipulation, distrust, and deception. He does this by describing each individual, the couple in relation to one another, as well as their lifestyle. At the beginning of the story, as M.Lantin falls in love with the woman, the author seems to describe the woman thoroughly as being one of rare find. The author states that, “Everyone sang her praises”(Maupassant 69). The story makes a big deal that “the young girl seemed to be the very ideal of that pure good woman to whom every young man dreams of entrusting his future” (Maupassant 69). She was clearly a woman with unique beauty, even described as modest with shy charm. Many, especially M. Lantin, knew her as this type of woman; so they thought. The author did a good job in building up the woman as very desirable, loving, and seemingly perfect. In addition to her high status of virtue, Maupassant describes her as having a strong interest and passion for the theater, as well as an obvious obsession for fine jewelry. Through out much of the story, her husband is confident that the jewels are not real. Conveniently with-in their marriage, she was also extremely skillful in managing their budget closely, which likely built up a perceived trust and security in the relationship between Monsieur and Madame Lantin. M. Lantin had a job but was not a wealthy man. He is mostly described as a man undoubtedly in love with his wife. Though, he seems to be a very passive man; one who lets his wife do as she pleases and does not truly care. By not actively being involved in his wife’s interests and not meeting her needs of companionship, he potentially sets himself up for unfaithfulness. Maupassant describes the two individuals as having a deep infatuation with the other in their marriage. The woman is thoroughly affectionate in every way with her husband. He, as well, dotes upon his wife in his happiness and satisfaction with her even
Maupassant effectively portrays a marriage that is misunderstood through manipulation, distrust, and deception. He does this by describing each individual, the couple in relation to one another, as well as their lifestyle. At the beginning of the story, as M.Lantin falls in love with the woman, the author seems to describe the woman thoroughly as being one of rare find. The author states that, “Everyone sang her praises”(Maupassant 69). The story makes a big deal that “the young girl seemed to be the very ideal of that pure good woman to whom every young man dreams of entrusting his future” (Maupassant 69). She was clearly a woman with unique beauty, even described as modest with shy charm. Many, especially M. Lantin, knew her as this type of woman; so they thought. The author did a good job in building up the woman as very desirable, loving, and seemingly perfect. In addition to her high status of virtue, Maupassant describes her as having a strong interest and passion for the theater, as well as an obvious obsession for fine jewelry. Through out much of the story, her husband is confident that the jewels are not real. Conveniently with-in their marriage, she was also extremely skillful in managing their budget closely, which likely built up a perceived trust and security in the relationship between Monsieur and Madame Lantin. M. Lantin had a job but was not a wealthy man. He is mostly described as a man undoubtedly in love with his wife. Though, he seems to be a very passive man; one who lets his wife do as she pleases and does not truly care. By not actively being involved in his wife’s interests and not meeting her needs of companionship, he potentially sets himself up for unfaithfulness. Maupassant describes the two individuals as having a deep infatuation with the other in their marriage. The woman is thoroughly affectionate in every way with her husband. He, as well, dotes upon his wife in his happiness and satisfaction with her even